Definitions

(verb) to arouse; to stimulate; to excite
(adjective) fierce; intense

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 激 is structured as a phono-semantic compound with the water radical 氵 suggesting its early association with liquid movement and the component 敫 acting primarily as a phonetic indicator. Its original meaning concerned rapid or turbulent water flow, which later extended metaphorically to encompass the provocation or arousal of emotions and actions, such as stimulation or excitement. This semantic broadening allowed the character to apply to abstract concepts of intensity and agitation beyond its initial physical context.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我非常动。

Wǒ fēicháng jīdòng.

I am very excited.

这场比赛很烈。

Zhè chǎng bǐsài hěn jīliè.

This match is very intense.

父母经常励我。

Fùmǔ jīngcháng jīlì wǒ.

My parents often encourage me.

这个故事发了勇气。

Zhège gùshì jīfāle yǒngqì.

This story inspired courage.

不要怒你的朋友。

Bùyào jīnù nǐ de péngyǒu.

Don't anger your friends.

光用于医疗领域。

Jīguāng yòng yú yīliáo lǐngyù.

Lasers are used in the medical field.

流冲刷着岩石。

Jīliú chōngshuāzhe yánshí.

The rapids wash against the rocks.

她满怀情地歌唱。

Tā mǎn huái jīqíng de gēchàng.

She sings with full passion.